German cabinet will visit Israel to mark Jewish state's 60th year

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, along with the members of the German cabinet, will visit Israel in March to mark 60 years since the founding of the Jewish state, officials in Berlin said Wednesday.

The two cabinets are to hold a joint session as an indication of Germany's close relations with Israel, Merkel's spokesman, Ulrich Wilhelm said, confirming an earlier news report.

Several government ministers are to accompany Merkel on the visit, which is expected to take place in the second half of March.

While the French and German cabinets hold regular joint sessions, this will be the first time that the German cabinet meets outside Europe.